Device for hanging up, pressing and stowing garments by a mechanic traction movement without aid of electric energy

ABSTRACT

A system for stretching, drying and pressing a garment includes a clothes-hanger and at least one stretching device. The stretching device includes a first rod connected to the clothes-hanger by a coupling-release and two pairs of arms. Each pair includes a first and second arm, each arm having a first end connected to the first rod at a respective anchoring position and a second end movable with respect to the first anchoring position, adapted to controllably move toward or away from the anchoring position. The stretching device includes a first stretcher having two garment stretching elements on opposite sides of the first rod. Each stretching element connects to the second ends of one of the pairs of arms, to move in a direction perpendicular to, toward, or away from the first rod, from movements of the second ends. A controller controls movement of the second ends of the arms.

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION Field of Application

The present invention relates to the field of systems and devices forstretching, drying, pressing and stowing garments. In particular, theinvention relates to pressing systems and devices which do not requirethe aid of electric energy.

Description of the Known Art

With reference to a device capable of stretching, pressing and stowinggarments in any domestic and industrial situation, the Applicant is notcurrently aware of devices of such a type, adapted to perform all thefunctions indicated above by means of a single structure.

With reference to pressing alone, the iron and vertical steam pressingfor domestic uses and various pressing machines for industrial use areknown.

The drawbacks of the known systems indicated above include, amongothers, the consumption of electric energy and the need for a pressingoperator, involving using his/her time and energy.

Furthermore, the direct heat generated by conventional methods maydamage items of clothing in the long run, after numerous pressingoperations.

Known irons and pressing machines may then involve a certain danger,both at domestic and industrial level, and imply costs which cannot beneglected. Furthermore, they involve occupying ample spaces both forpre-pressing storage and for storing the device, as well as for theimmediate packaging of the dry items or the positioning thereof.

In the light of the above, it is the object of the present invention todevise and make available an improved stretching and pressing systemwhich allows the aforesaid needs to be met, and capable of at leastpartly obviating the drawbacks indicated above with reference to theknown art.

More specifically, it is the object of the present invention to providea stretching and pressing system capable of operating without exploitingelectric energy, with no need for personnel to perform the pressing,without causing wear on the items of clothing, with no domestic andindustrial danger (which makes it easy to use also by children orindividuals with disabilities), with very reduced space requirements,and furthermore such as to be affordable and within everybody's means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Such an object is achieved by a system in accordance with claim 1.

Further embodiments of such a system are defined in the dependent claims2 to 25.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the system for stretching, drying,pressing and stowing garments according to the present invention willbecome apparent from the description below of preferred embodimentsthereof, given only by way of non-limiting, indicative example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a system according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a system according to another embodimentof the invention, which can be independent or combined with the onedescribed in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C depict respective front views of a system according toyet a further embodiment of the invention, in closed, partly open andcompletely open conditions, respectively;

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a system according to yet a furtherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, a system 100 for stretching, dryingand pressing a garment is described, comprising a clothes-hanger 2 andat least one stretching device.

Such a stretching device comprises a first rod 1, connected to theaforesaid clothes-hanger 2 by means of coupling-releasing means 3, andtwo pairs of arms 8. Each pair comprises a first arm 80 and a second arm81, each of which comprises a first end 82 connected to the first rod 1at a respective anchoring position and a second end 83 which is movablewith respect to the first anchoring position, adapted to move close toor away from the anchoring position in controlled manner.

The stretching device further comprises first stretching means 7,comprising two garment stretching elements 7, which are arranged onopposite sides with respect to the first rod 1. Each of the stretchingelements 7 is connected to the two movable second ends 83 of arespective one of the aforesaid pairs of arms 8, so as to move in adirection perpendicular to the first rod 1, thus moving away therefromor close thereto, as a result of said movements of the movable secondends 83.

The stretching device further comprises control means 6, 11, 12 forcontrolling the movement of the aforesaid movable second ends 83 of thearms 8.

It is worth noting that “garment” can be intended as any item ofclothing or an object made of fabric, which may require pressing.Specific examples concerning pressing different types of items ofclothing will be illustrated below in greater detail in thisdescription.

According to a typical use of the system, the aforesaid first stretchingmeans 7 are configured to pull the garment taut at a respective side ina direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis of thefirst rod 1, in a manner dependent on the movement of the stretchingelement 7 caused by the movement of the arms 8.

In accordance with one embodiment, the system further comprises secondstretching means 4, 5, configured to hold and pull the garment taut in adirection substantially parallel to the axis of the first rod 1, awayfrom the clothes-hanger 2.

According to an option for implementing the system, each of the arms 8is configured to take on, in a controllable manner, a folded position,or an extended position, or a plurality of intermediate positionsbetween the aforesaid folded and extended positions. A respectiveposition of the stretching elements 7 at a respective distance from thefirst rod 1 corresponds to each position of the arms 8.

According to an embodiment of the system, shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, eachof the aforesaid first arm 80 and second arm 81 of the two pairs of armscomprises two half-arms 84, 85, articulated to each other by means of anintermediate joint 86, in which the first half-arm 84 is rotatablyconnected to the first end 82 and to the intermediate joint 86, and thesecond half-arm 85 is rotatably connected to the intermediate joint 86and comprises the movable second end 83.

The aforesaid stretching elements 7 are slidingly connected to the twomovable second ends 83 of a respective one of the aforesaid pairs ofarms 8, respectively, so as to move in a direction perpendicular to thefirst rod 1, thus moving away therefrom or close thereto, as a result ofthe movements of the movable second ends 83.

The control means are configured to directly actuate the first half-arm84 and the first half-arm 84 is configured to move the second half-arm85, so that the first 84 and the second 85 half-arms are close to eachother and are substantially parallel to the first rod 1, at the foldedposition of arm 8, and the two half-arms 84, 85 are extended in adirection substantially perpendicular to the first rod 1, at theextended position of arm 8.

The aforesaid intermediate joint 86 is e.g., a reverse movement joint86.

It is worth noting that FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C depict respective front viewsof the system according to the embodiment described above, in which thearms are in a folded, partly extended and completely extended position,respectively.

In accordance with another embodiment of system 100, shown in FIG. 1,the two pairs of arms 8 comprise rotatably foldable arms (the extendedposition of the arms is depicted with solid line, the folded positionwith dotted line). Each pair comprises a first arm 80 and a second arm81, rotatably connected to the first rod 1 at the respective anchoringposition. Each of the arms 8 is adapted to rotate in controlled mannerwith respect to the anchoring position, and the movable second end 83 ofeach arm is adapted to perform the movement thereof as a result of arotation of the respective arm 8.

The aforesaid stretching elements 7 are slidingly connected to the twomovable second ends 83 of a respective one of the pairs of arms 8,respectively, so as to move in a direction perpendicular to the firstrod 1, thus moving away therefrom or close thereto, as a result of saidmovements of the movable second ends 83.

The control means 6, 11, 12 are configured to control the rotationmovement of the arms 8.

According to an implementing example, the arms 8 are substantiallyparallel to the first rod 1 in the folded position; the arms 8 aresubstantially perpendicular to the first rod 1 in the extended position.

In accordance with yet a further embodiment of system 100, the two pairsof arms comprise telescopic arms. Each pair comprises a first and asecond telescopic arms, in which the respective movable second ends areadapted to translate perpendicular with respect to the first rod 1, uponthe telescopic movement.

The aforesaid stretching elements are adapted to move in a directionperpendicular to the first rod as a result of the telescopic movementsof the movable second ends. In such a case, the control means areconfigured to control the telescopic movement of the arms.

In one implementing option, each arm is configured to extendtelescopically from a closed position, in which the second end of thearm is close to the first end of the arm, to an extended position, inwhich the arm reaches a maximum length in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the first rod.

According to another embodiment of system 100, the two first arms 80 ofthe two pairs of arms, arranged on one side with respect to the firstrod 1, are connected to each other at a median portion thereof so as toform a first X-configuration of arms, in which one of the first ends ofthe first arms is fixed to the first rod 1 and the other of the firstends of the first arms is slidingly connected to the first rod 1, andthe two second ends of the first arms are connected, at least oneslidingly, to the stretching element 7 arranged on the same side as thefirst arms.

The two second arms 8 of the two pairs of arms, arranged on the otherside with respect to the first rod 1, are connected to each other at amedian portion thereof so as to form a second X-configuration of arms,in which one of the first ends of the second arms is fixed to the firstrod 1 and the other of the first ends of the second arms is slidinglyconnected to the first rod 1, and the two second ends of the second armsare connected, at least one slidingly, to the stretching element 7arranged on the same side as the second arms.

According to an implementing option, the system 100 may comprise aplurality of the aforesaid first and second X-configurations of arms.

In accordance with another embodiment of system 100, the control meansfor controlling the rotation movement of the arms further comprise asliding element, arranged outside or inside the first rod 1 andslidingly connected thereto in a position farther from theclothes-hanger 2 with respect to the anchoring positions of the arms 8,the sliding element being also blockable in wanted position on the firstrod 1. The control means further comprise connection spokes or springsbetween such a sliding element and the arms 8, adapted to cause arotation of the arms 8 upon a movement of the sliding element.

In one implementing option, the system 100 further comprises a rigidconnection element between one and the other pair of arms, adapted tomove one pair of arms as a result of a movement of the other pair ofarms.

In accordance with a further embodiment of system 100, the secondstretching means 4, 5 comprise a second rod 4 and two hooking elements 5for securing the garment. The second rod 4 is arranged perpendicular tothe first rod 1 and is slidingly connected thereto in a position fartherfrom the clothes-hanger 2 with respect to the anchoring positions of thepairs of arms 8, so as to move along the first rod to move close to oraway from the clothes-hanger 2. The two hooking elements 5 for securingthe garment are arranged on the second rod 4, and are configured to holdand pull the garment taut in a direction substantially parallel to theaxis of the first rod 1.

In a particular implementing example, the second rod comprises twohalf-rods, each of which slidingly connected to a respective arm, so asto open or close in a square-ruler manner as a result of the movement ofthe respective arm, and each of the two hooking elements is arranged ona respective half-rod.

According to another embodiment of system 100, the second stretchingmeans comprise at least two weights which can be secured to a side ofthe garment opposite to the one intended to be supported by theclothes-hanger; such two weights are adapted to pull the garment taut,due to the effect of gravity, in a direction substantially parallel tothe axis of the first rod 1.

In different implementing examples, each of the weights comprises asecuring peg and a metal weight attached to the securing peg; or asecuring peg and a bag that can be filled with sand or other material.

According to different possible embodiment options, the stretchingelements 7 are configured to take on a position parallel to each otherand parallel to the first rod 1, or a tilted position in substantiallysymmetrical manner with respect to the first rod 1, according to thetype of garment and to the reaction forces that the garment has withrespect to the stretching.

In one implementing example, the movable second end 83 of each armcomprises an end joint 83, adapted to allow a reciprocal sliding betweenarm 8 and the respective stretching element 7, and a pre-tensionedspring element 87 (shown e.g., in FIGS. 3A-3C), adapted to adjust thereciprocal inclination of the arm 8 and of the stretching element 7according to the type of garment and to the reaction forces that thegarment has with respect to the stretching.

In a particular embodiment, the first rod 1 comprises a rigid hollow rod1; each of the four arms 8 is anchored to the first rod 1 by means of arespective pin, and comprises a first rotation mechanism 9 adapted todetermine the rotation of the arm; each of the two stretching elements 7comprises a respective further rigid rod 7 connected to the respectivesecond ends of the arms 8 by means of articulated joints.

In such a case, the control means for controlling the rotation movementof the arms comprise a rigid control rod 12 inserted inside the rigidhollow rod 1; a gripping or blocking device 11 connected to the rigidcontrol rod and protruding outside the rigid hollow rod 1; secondrotation mechanisms 6 engaged or obtained in said rigid control rod 12and operatively connected to the first rotation elements 9 of the arms 8so as to cooperate therewith to determine the rotation of the arms 8according to the mechanical movements imparted to the gripping orblocking device 11.

According to possible implementing variants, the first rod 1 and/or thesecond rod 4 and/or the stretching elements 7 comprise respectivetelescopic rods and/or each of the aforesaid arms 8 comprises atelescopic arm.

In one embodiment, system 100 comprises two stretching devices of thetypes described above, which can be coupled by means of respectivecoupling means 27 to the clothes-hanger 2, or which can be usedindependently (as shown in FIG. 2). Each of the two stretching elements21 of each of the stretching devices comprises a side knurled arm 21with curvature toward the clothes-hanger 2. Such two side knurled arms21 are arranged to mirror a vertical middle axis of the system.Furthermore, each of the four arms 22 is connected to one of the sideknurled arms 21 by means of a respective side connecting arm 24, andeach pair of arms 22 is connected to the first rod 26 by means of arespective circumferential arc arm 23 a and a respective hollow middlearm 23.

According to an implementing example, system 100 further comprises tworigid molds which are interlockable one on the other in the shape of aU, which can be coupled to the clothes-hanger 2 or to the first rod 1,and two overlapping semi-rigid plastic strips, one of which flat and onecurved like a U in the end part, which can be rotatably connected to theclothes-hanger 2 or to the first rod 1.

Certain embodiments and examples of use of the system for stretching,drying and pressing (ironing) according to the present invention will bedescribed in greater detail below by way of non-limiting example.

PRESSING OF ITEMS OF CLOTHING FOR THE TORSO (JERSEYS, T-SHIRTS, SHIRTS,ETC.), shown with particular reference to FIG. 1.

a) Components of the device: rigid and hollow central rod 1;clothes-hanger 2; rod-clothes-hanger connection element 3; rod 4perpendicular to the central rod; elements adapted to hold or pullfabric 5 taut, e.g., pegs; connection and movement mechanisms 6 which,when connected to respective arm mechanisms 9 at respective ends of thearms 8, allow transmitting any type of movement, for example rotation,traction, and so on.

Each connection and movement mechanism 6 can be equivalently replaced bya mechanism which allows acting directly on the rotation of the arms,for example a rigid rod free to rotate inside the hollow part of thecentral rod, or strings passing through the hollow part of the centralrod, or adjustment mechanisms directly obtained on the arms.

The device in FIG. 1 also comprises two rigid side rods 7. Each of thefour arms has a mechanism at one end, for example a ring gear, capableof causing a guided rotation, and has a swivel joint at the other end,for example a hinge. The arms 8 can be equipped with swivels adapted toallow bending so that the rigid rods 7 can adhere in the best mannerpossible to the walls of the fabric. There is, free to pass or rotateinside the rigid central rod 1, another rigid rod, or a system ofstrings or adjustment mechanisms directly obtained on the arms, or otherelements adapted to transmit a movement to the mechanisms placed on thearms, and such that the supports end with a knob or a throttle lever orany blocking system 11, accessible to the user.

b) Arrangement of the Components and Operation of the Device.

A clothes-hanger 2 is connected to the rigid and hollow central rod 1.The rod-clothes-hanger connection element 3 between the central rod 1and clothes-hanger 2 is configured to always keep the clothes-hanger inaxis and rigid with respect to the central rod. The central rod and theclothes-hanger are separable by means of a mechanism. A rod 4perpendicular to the central rod, free to rigidly slide perpendicular tothe central rod, is positioned on the central rod 1, at the sideopposite to the clothes-hanger. On such a rod perpendicular to thecentral rod, two elements 5 are arranged, which can hold or pull thefabric taut, e.g., pegs, each of which of adequate size with respect tothe item that is to be hung and pressed. The four arms 8 are arranged,two on each side, in symmetrical manner to the left and to the right ofthe central rod 1 so that the connection and movement mechanisms 6 areall facing the central rod 1. Such mechanisms 6 are kept in the seatthereof by means of a rigid structure adapted to secure them firmly tothe central rod 1. Special supports transmit the rotation movement ortraction movement, imparted by the knob or throttle lever or blockingsystem 11, to the connection and movement mechanisms 6 so that the armsrotate, while moving the swivel joints located at the ends of the armsoutward with respect to the central rod. The two rigid rods 7 areconnected to the swivel joints, one to the two arms on the left relativeto the central rod 1, the other to the two arms on the right. Therotation movement pushes the rigid rods 7 into increasingly distantpositions from the central rigid rod 1, thus causing them to adhere tothe item of clothing to be pressed. Thus, the item of clothing is nowperfectly taut and stretched in the two typical directions of the weftand warp. Therefore, in such a position, the garment resumes the shapethat it originally had, thus being perfectly pressed.

With reference to the clothes-hanger 2, it is worth noting that it maybe a common clothes-hanger.

In an implementing variant, the clothes-hanger 2 is a foldableclothes-hanger, that is having special features of easy foldability. Insuch a case, it can be split into two portions of clothes-hanger of anymaterial which can maintain a defined shape and which has properties ofelasticity to horizontal bending (e.g., plastic material), and inaddition a rotation pin. The two portions of clothes-hanger joined withthe pin form the shape of a commonly known clothes-hanger.

The model can be used both by right-handed and left-handed people. Withreference, for example, to use by right-handed people, theclothes-hanger, seen from the front, has a left-hand portion, which issmaller in size than half the clothes-hanger, and has an indentation onthe upper part thereof with orientation slightly oblique with respect tothe horizontal positioning; and also has a right-hand portion, which isslightly larger in size than half the clothes-hanger, and has anindentation on the upper part thereof with orientation slightly obliquewith respect to the horizontal positioning. The right-hand indentationis positioned, by interlocking, exactly under the left-hand indentation(like in a male-on-female connection).

The two portions are joined by a pin positioned on the part under theindentation. A male-female coupling with insert bound by a rivet or apin is preferred for the pin.

Once the indentation is interlocked, the clothes-hanger is a singlepiece capable of supporting the weight of any type of clothing that maybe positioned on the clothes-hanger.

To open the clothes-hanger, it is sufficient to rest the thumb of theright-hand hand and to apply pressure on the side part of theindentation of the left-hand part of the clothes-hanger, while holdingthe right-hand part of the clothes-hanger with two other fingers. Thepressure movement of the thumb allows the indentation of the left-handhalf of the clothes-hanger to be released from the correspondingright-hand part. Such a detachment of the indentation, accompanied by arotary rightward movement of the hand, allows the clothes-hanger torotate on the pin thereof. The rotation on the pin results in the two,left-hand and right-hand, ends of the clothes-hanger to move close toeach other, thus allowing an extremely easy exit from the neck.

With a simple rotation movement on the pin, in the direction contrary tothe last one described, the clothes-hanger can be brought back to itsoriginal shape, with the female and male indentation interlocked, andready to use like a common clothes-hanger. In order to create a guide onthe left-hand part to find the overlapping position thereof on theindentation, it is possible to position one or two tabs on theright-hand part close to the position that the left-hand partindentation must have in order to be coupled.

For left-handed people, it is sufficient to reverse the parts of themodel of use.

The male-female indentation stop-release, as described above, can befacilitated also by an ergonomic thumb-shaped reinforcement to beapplied on the indentation so as to have a more guided grasp of thethumb.

Different types of releases (e.g. “button release”, “reinforced liprelease”, and so on), in themselves known, can be used.

Furthermore, in one implementing variant, the indentation of theleft-hand part is replaced by a half-counter-ring and the indentation onthe right-hand side is replaced by a half-ring. Thus, it is possible togive the clothes-hanger various stable inclinations: indeed, the usercan select to block the counter-ring on any one of the teeth in thering. Since the ring has several teeth, the clothes-hanger can beblocked at various angles. By virtue of the various angles, theclothes-hanger can have different shapes, thus being able to best adaptto the shape of the item hung thereon.

c) Size Variants

All the arms 8 and all the aforesaid rods 1, 4, 6, 7, of the pressingsystem may be made telescopic. Obviously, all the mechanisms, joints,pins and couplings remain excluded from possible lengthening. It ispossible to extend the length of the arms and of the rods with a singlemovement, thus bringing the clothes valet back to its normal shape andready for use. Small sizes are among the various sizes possible, such asto make the system suitable to be brought on trips, e.g., in a suitcase.

d) Variants of the Opening System

In different embodiments, already mentioned, the opening and closing ofthe system may involve different methods, including “umbrella opening”,“spinning wheel opening”, “shortened umbrella opening”, “doubleclothes-hanger opening”, “spring opening”, “L-shaped opening”.

“Umbrella opening”: an “umbrella” opening system is used in place of theconnection and movement mechanism 6 described above. In such a case, asmall sliding element placed at the bottom of the arms 8 closest to theperpendicular rod 4, is wound around the central rod 1; two spokes, inturn connected to the arms 8, are connected to such a sliding element;thus, at an upward movement of the sliding element, the two arms 8 arepushed upward, then they push the rods 7 that transmit the movement tothe other two arms, thus opening the device and stretching the item ofclothing to the measure desired. The sliding element is fixed to thecentral rod by a blocking system, at a height desired, to keep thedevice tensioned. In order to make the system described above morestable, it is possible to provide a sliding element-spokes-arms unitalso above the upper pair of arms, and to connect the unit below withthe unit above by means of a rigid element, thus allowing, with the onlymovement of one sliding element, also the movement of the other slidingelement, and thus obtaining the movement of the arms 8 by thrust and notby traction of the rods 7. The connection between the two slidingelements can be made both on the central rod 1 and therein, where forexample a spring can be used as connection between the two slidingelements.

“Spinning wheel opening”: in the spinning wheel opening, the thrust ofthe arms 8 on the outer rigid rods 7 occurs by means of a force whichacts horizontally and not by rotation. In such a case, the arms 8 arecrossed two by two by means of a pin in the middle point thereof, thusforming two X's. One end of each X is fixed to the central rod 1 whilethe other end is fixed to a movable element which can slide on thecentral rod 1. With regard to the other two ends of the X, they can befixed to two movable elements adapted to slide on the outer rigid rod 7,or one may be fixed to the outer rigid rod while the other may be leftmovable on the same rod again. The movement of the movable element onthe central rod 1 toward the other point of the X, fixed on the middlerod, causes a movement which lengthens the arms outward, thusdetermining the thrust required for the outer rods to push on the wallsof the items to be pressed. Apparently, the movable elements may achievemobility also from being positioned inside the central rod 1, or alsofrom being positioned inside the outer rigid rod, by convenientlygrooving the rods. It is also possible to cause the thrust movement withseveral X-arms placed in sequence, so as to reduce the length of eachindividual section of the arm, and spaced apart by springs so as totransmit the movement. Furthermore, it is possible to replace each outerrigid rod 7 with a respective half-moon shaped element made of elasticmaterial, adapted to be positioned on the outer ends of the X's so as topush on the side of the items of clothing.

“Shortened umbrella opening”: this is a middle ground between theumbrella opening and the spinning wheel opening. Indeed, the arms 8 areplaced as in the umbrella model, but they are in turn crossed as in thespinning wheel type. Consequently, the grooving to allow the movementmust be placed on the outer rod, the one in contact with the sides ofthe item to be pressed, and not on the central rigid rod. For otheraspects, the operation is similar to the one of the umbrella model,causing the lower piece of tube to slide upward.

“Double clothes-hanger opening”: two foldable clothes-hangers, similarto the ones described above, are used for stretching out with this typeof opening, by means of ring or counter-ring, possibly of two differentsizes. The second clothes-hanger replaces the perpendicular rod.Therefore, the two clothes-hangers are joined by means of the centralrod, which is adjustable in length like a telescopic pole, and two rigidrods, also telescopic, fixed with pins on the four ends of the twoclothes-hangers. The item to be pressed rests on one clothes-hangerwhile the second clothes-hanger extends so as to find the optimalpressing position. On the second clothes-hanger, pegs are used, whichare free to move on the clothes-hanger, but are anchored to the armsthereof and capable of revolving on the pin thereof. The freedom toslide and the rotation on the pin allow the pegs to be positioned at theright distance from the item to be pressed so as to allow the tensioningof the item, also with different angles of the clothes-hanger. Bysecuring the pegs to the item of clothing and pulling theclothes-hanger, the central rod and the rigid rods can extend up to thedesired length, while remaining fixed by means of a blocking systemplaced on the central rod. After determining such a stretch, the secondclothes-hanger can be opened so as to also provide the right horizontalstretch, for a better adjustment.

“Spring opening”: the principle on which this opening system is based isthe same principle as the one described as double clothes-hangeropening, the only difference being that a spring system tending to openthe clothes-hangers to the maximum outward extension thereof is used inplace of the ring and counter-ring system employed on theclothes-hangers. The thrust imparted by the springs determines thestretch for the horizontal pressing.

“L-shaped opening”: in such a case, already illustrated above withreference to FIGS. 3A-3C, each arm comprises two half-arms, which arearticulated at an intermediate portion, in which an articulated joint(with “L-shape” function), e.g., a reverse movement joint, is placed.The opening/closing of the arm, by the movement control means, occursthrough a symmetrical movement of the two half-arms, which are rotatablewith respect to the intermediate joint, which in turn moves with respectto the central rod.

e) Variants for Vertical Stretching

In one implementing option, the lower perpendicular rod 4 is replaced bytwo supports mounted on the rigid rods such as to allow a 90° rotation.A rod with a system for hooking/securing the items to be pressed iscoupled on these supports. When the item of clothing is rested to behung on the clothes-hanger, the two supports are rotated by 90°(“square-ruler” movement) so that the securing system grasps the item tobe hung. The rotation prevents the two supports from further rotatingand causes them to remain fixed. By sliding the two supports downward,the item of clothing is stretched. After fixing the sliding of the twosupports to the rigid rods, the item of clothing is perfectlystretched/tensioned and can be left statically in that position so as toperform the pressing function thereof.

In a further implementing option, the vertical traction (that is, in adirection parallel to the central rod) is caused, in addition to orexclusively, by means of pegs connected to the lower part of the itemand conveniently weighed down to exert the vertical traction required,rather than being obtained in a rod arranged perpendicular to the mainaxis or with two half-rods.

Different expedients may be used to weigh down the pegs: using heavypegs; and/or applying weights made of metal or other material tolightweight pegs, to increase the gravitational force exerted; and/orusing plastic bags connected to the pegs, the bags being lightweightthemselves (easy to transport) and adapted to be filled with sand, wateror other material readily available in any location.

The shape of the peg is preferably an “elongated T”. The vertical partof the T forms the opening and closing spring mechanism of the peg, thehorizontal part of the T typically extends for many centimeters in widthand for a few centimeters in length, so that, when resting on thefabric, the peg occupies a large surface and allows a distribution ofthe weight thereof on the whole lower end of the garment, so that it ispulled in a uniform manner.

At least two pegs are used to obtain this effect. The number of pegs isnot necessarily limited to two, but it may vary according to theselected weight to be given and type of shape to be pressed.

With reference to all the embodiments above, it is worth noting thatcertain mechanical movements can be replaced by the elastic propertiesof the materials. For example, the side arms can be formed by twoframework structures, or by a single framework structure made of elasticmaterial, capable of adapting to the sides of the garment takingadvantage of the elasticity of the material.

In different further implementing examples, each of the aforesaid forcesof traction, that the system is capable of exerting, can alternativelybe determined by means of simple elastics, calibrated in suitablemanner.

PRESSING FOR SLEEVES OF CLOTHING (shown with particular reference toFIG. 2) by means of a pair of devices similar to the ones describedabove, or by means of a pair of additional devices which can be coupledto the system described above.

a) Components of the additional device and positioning: two side knurledarms 21 with upward curvature arranged to mirror the vertical middleaxis of the mechanism; four oblique arms 22 connected to two hollowmiddle arms 23 a, one of which possibly provided with engaging grooveand the other turned with a groove for a screw, by means of six arcs ofcircumference, of which the two middle arcs 23 are holed at the cavityof the middle arms and four connection arms 24 with the two side arms. Astring or a double string or a double pair of strings or a rigid pole26, equipped with a coupling at one end and with a turning of a screw atthe other end, is passed inside the holed middle arms 23 and through theholes made on the middle arcs 23 a. If the string or a double string ora double pair of strings is used, a ring is fixed to one end or ends onthe side on which the side knurled arms 21 are curved, to be coupled tothe clothes-hanger 2, described above with reference to FIG. 1, so thatthere is a firm coupling for this part of the mechanism. The otherend(s) of the string, which crossed the two hollow middle arms 23,remain(s) free to be coupled subsequently, thus providing the requiredstretch to the sleeve of the item of clothing. If in addition to thecoupling ring 27, which serves as coupling to the clothes-hanger, therigid pole 26 is instead used, fixed in this case on the end of themiddle arm 23, the pole is engaged free to rotate in the middle arm 23with the coupling ring 27, is passed through the cavities of the middlearms 23 and through the part turned for a screw, and is protrudedoutside the second hollow middle arm 23. Preferably, the device isconstructed by forming it in a single piece, but the operation thereofis equally effective also if it is composed of various assembled pieces.

b) Functional aspects: by screwing a bolt or a wing nut with boltgrooving to the turned screw part of the rigid pole 26, the hollowmiddle pole, opposite to the curvature of the outer arms 23, is pushed.Such a thrust is transmitted to the oblique arms 22 and from here to theside knurled arms 21, which thus rest on the fabric pulling it taut withthe force desired. The same principle as described above also applies ifthe string or a double string or a double pair of strings is used.Indeed, by either pulling the end of the string so that it rubs againstthe hollow middle arm 23 from which the string protrudes so as to moveit close to the other middle arm 23 on which there is the coupling ring27, or by extending the two ends of the string which protrude from themiddle arm opposite to the one on which ring 23 rests, the movement istransmitted up to the side knurled arms 21, resting on the fabric,pulling it taut with the force desired. A blocking system keeps thestrings in the position of the right tension. The knurling provided onthe side arms 21 of the mechanism prevents the fabric from slidingupward, thus allowing the pressing also in vertical direction. Even inthis case, a peg suitable to even better stretch out the fibers in avertical direction may be advantageously used.

c) Size variants: the additional device described above can be ofvarious measures, possibly also modular, to adapt to long-sleeved orshort-sleeved clothing.

d) A further embodiment option of the additional device for pressingsleeves is described herein, which provides a “brush device”. In such acase, a significant number of plastic projections, such as to resemble abrush, are inserted on a middle pole. Such projections are passedhorizontally through the holes of a holed cylinder which surrounds themiddle pole. If the middle pole is rotated, e.g. clockwise, theprojections exit from the holed cylinder and expand the virtual volumeof the brush, while if the pole is rotated in the opposite direction,the projections retract into the holed cylinder, thus decreasing thevirtual volume. The brush can be entered the sleeve with a minimumvolume and the volume is increased to press the sleeve, up to reachingthe tension desired on the inner walls of the sleeve. To improve thepressing, it is possible to form the head of the projections with a flatshape, e.g. hexagonal, so that the surface being pushed is greater, thusproviding a perfectly uniform pressing. This pressing method isrecommended for those who do not want pressing creases on the sleeves.For pressing in vertical direction, the brush is fixed to theclothes-hanger by means of a stop, and to the sleeves by means of pegsanchored to the holes of the outer cylinder which encloses theprojections.

In one embodiment, a normal brush device is used, without a cylinder,and leaving the projections free to be in contact with the fabric and topress it.

In another embodiment, a brush device having “feather” or “fishbone”shape may be used, which can have the ends matched with two rigid rodsmade of elastic material, or the free ends, not restrained to the endsof any rod. When the brush is introduced, the middle rod is pushed orpulled, while holding the side part so that it becomes thinner. Then,after it is introduced, the brush is released thus expanding naturallyand causing the perimeter thereof to adhere to the sleeve, and therebythe sleeve is pressed.

In the case of “feather” shape, the brush introduced by the upper partof the feather is released so that the feathers open and create tractionon the fabric of the sleeve.

The same pressing method can also be used on pants. Indeed, by creatingsufficiently long brushes for pants and fixing the ends of the brush toa clothes-hanger, the pants can be pulled taut both vertically andhorizontally.

It is worth noting that the pressing methods described above, that usethe additional pressing device illustrated above, can also be applied topressing pants, because pants can be considered as “paired sleeves”.

Advantageously, in this case it is possible to use the above described“foldable clothes-hangers”, provided with specific projections, placedon the ends of the clothes-hangers, adapted to horizontally stretch thewaist of the pants. Two plates, having a threaded hole in the middle,are positioned on the arms of the clothes-hanger, free to slide on thearms. Such a hole allows the perpendicular tightening of a clip, bymeans of a threaded projection, threaded inside the clip. Furthermore,the threading allows the projection to tighten and cross the threadingso as to put pressure on the arms of the clothes-hanger and therefore tofix the plate in a well-defined position. The inner threading of theclip allows the various horizontal opening systems to be coupled to themiddle pole. Furthermore, the threading allows the vertical tension tobe adjusted by simply tightening, and therefore lengthening, the middlepole. The vertical adjustment causes the pegs attached to the bottom ofthe pants to pull the fabric vertically taut with the stretch desiredfor the pressing.

PRESSING FOR SKIRTS AND OTHER TYPES OF GARMENTS, shown with reference toFIG. 4.

For pressing skirts, two foldable clothes-hangers of the type describedabove, having different sizes, are used: a first clothes-hanger 41 forthe upper part of the skirt, and a second clothes-hanger 42 for thelower part of the skirt. The two clothes-hangers are joined by means ofa middle pole 43, which can be adjusted in length like a telescopicpole, and two further poles 44, also telescopic, positioned on each endof the clothes-hanger. After coupling the first clothes-hanger 41 on thepart of the waist of the skirt and the second clothes-hanger 42 on thelower part, they are opened by opening the arms so as to maintain theright tension, and by virtue of the ring and counter-ring system of theclothes-hanger described above. Pegs are then secured to the skirt, thepegs being on the arms of the clothes-hangers 41 and 42 and being freeto slide on said arms and free to rotate on the pin thereof. The freedomto slide and the rotation on the pin allow the pegs to be positioned atthe right distance from the skirt so as to allow the stretching thereofalso with different angles of the clothes-hanger. Once this operation isperformed, the telescopic arms are stretched out so as to give the righttension also vertically, thus obtaining the horizontal-vertical tractionrequired for pressing clothing even with trapezoidal shape, such asskirts.

Pressing of Collar and Cuffs

To press the collar, and similarly to press the cuffs, two rigid moldsare used, which are perfectly interlockable one on the other in theshape of a U, with the ends facing inward so that the tips of the outerrigid mold meet with sufficient resistance to overlapping, in such a waythat, once overlapped, they do not move. Both rigid molds are covered byabsorbent and breathing material or by small projections which allow therigid shape to be kept detached from the fabric so that air circulates,but while always keeping a certain pressure on the collar or on thecuffs in order to press them. The inner rigid mold can be held in itsseat by means of a small rod provided on the head of a clip capable ofcoupling to the clothes-hanger, in the case of the collar, or on themiddle pole required for the stretching out, in the case of the cuff.

Pressing of the Part of the Buttons

For shirts and polo shirts, the problem arises of pressing the partclose to the buttonholes and to the buttons.

With reference to shirts, two semi-rigid plastic strips are secured to apin (or to another connection which allows the rotation) on the lowerpart of the middle pole, which stretches out the part of the torso ofthe items of clothing. The strip fixed below the other one is flat andhas a U-coupling in the end part on the right-hand side (looking at theitem of clothing to be pressed from the front). The other strip is flat,but it curves on itself on the right-hand end part and it has aU-coupling in the left-hand end part (opposite to the preceding one).The flat strip is rotated clockwise on the fulcrum and is positioned onthe buttonholes up to the end of the shirt, thus compressing it againstthe middle pole and pressing it. To block it, an opening (also lateral)is made on the clothes-hanger which allows the strip to passtherethrough, and after passing the gap, to curve, thus being able tocouple to the middle pole through a securing system which takesadvantage of the end “U” to the right of the flat strip. The flat stripis rotated counterclockwise on the fulcrum and is positioned with thecurve on the sides of the buttons, thus keeping them aligned. To blockit, the strip is passed in the same opening as the clothes-hanger, asdescribed above, so that the strip can pass therethrough, and afterpassing the opening, can curve, then coupling to the middle pole througha securing system which takes advantage of the end “U” to the left ofthe flat strip.

A double gap may be made on the clothes-hanger both for one and theother strip, which, after the passing of the strip, is capable ofkeeping the flat strip pressed against the buttonholes, or a clamp maybe used.

Alternatively, in order to press the buttons, it is possible to createor shape the main rod so that a curved housing is made in the shape of ahalf-moon, adapted to push the buttons and the buttonholes outward whenthey are resting on the middle rod. The buttons and the box pleat (thatis the folded part of fabric comprising the buttonholes or the buttons),thus spread out, are incorporated and pressed by a rod shaped in a shapethat interpenetrates the one created or shaped on the main rod, so thatsuch a second rod compresses the fabric (box pleat) thus pulling it tautand putting it in horizontal tension so as to press it. Such a doublerod system also allows an improved horizontal stretch of the fabriccomprised between the box pleat and the sides of the garment, thusobtaining an improved pressing.

The second rod, which incorporates the first one, can be rigid or rolledon itself, but can be unrolled in the manner of a tape measure.

However the rod is made, it must be coupled to the main rod both at thetop and at the bottom, so that there is a rigid interpenetration.

A similar effect can also be obtained through a double grooving (wideenough to comprise both the buttonholes and the buttons and a part ofthe box pleat) which can be made on the main rod, and to which a rigidor unrollable or telescopic hollow U-shaped rod is overlapped, so thatthe U-shaped edges of the rod coincide with the tracks hollowed out onthe main rod. The compression of the box pleat is thus achieved,allowing the pressing of the part compressed between the grooves andalso an increased traction of the fabric comprised between the partoutside the grooves and the sides of the garment to be pressed.

Another possible method uses, as pressing momentum, a strip or band witha series of housings close and numerous enough to insert the buttonstherein. This band, anchored to the main rod both in the upper part andin the lower part, can be inserted between the buttons, through thehousings. By virtue of the numerousness of the housings, it is possibleto have different spaces between button and button, so that a singleband can be sufficient for pressing a multiplicity of shirts.

The stretch created between housing and housing tends to press the boxpleat, thus allowing the pressing of such an area, which would beextremely difficult with the simple traction of the side rods on thesides of the garment.

As can be noted, the object of the present invention is achieved by thesystem described above, in the light of the features illustrated.

Indeed, by taking advantage of the property of a wet or damp item ofclothing, which, when subjected to suitable stretch, takes on thedesired shape and, after the drying, it keeps it over time, the systemaccording to the invention allows garments to be hung, left to dry andat the same time pressed only by means of mechanical traction movement,without the aid of electric energy (in fact, by taking advantage ofsolar and ambient heat).

Furthermore, it is noted that, by keeping the item of clothing stretchedafter the drying, it does not wrinkle even when in contact with otheritems that compress it. Therefore, the system of the invention is alsosuitable to place a garment back in the wardrobe without wrinkling itand to put it in order after use.

The technical effects and advantages indicated above are obtained by thesystem by virtue of the structural features described above in detail,which contemplate an assembly of levers, flexible rods, anchorings androtary movements coordinated with each other so as to create a rightstretch/tension capable of stretching out and keeping the items ofclothing in the most suitable shapes.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the traction movement imposed bythe system occurs by horizontal and vertical lines so as to stretch outthe weft and warp of the item of clothing. When the traction isimplemented with the wet or damp garment, the fibers are stretched outand they are set in the original position during the drying process,thus ensuring the pressing thereof. The mechanical traction occurs bymeans of levers, which are positioned, according to the size of theitem, in the most suitable manner for stretching it out, in the waysdescribed above.

The final achieved result is effective pressing that does not requireelectric energy and does not require care, except for stretching out thegarment on the system.

Different embodiments of the system, included in the same inventionconcept, have been provided in order to adapt to the various shapeswhich the items have by virtue of the tailoring thereof. In thedifferent embodiments, the system is capable of pressing items ofclothing for the torso, pants, sleeves, skirts. The devices for pressingsleeves, pants or skirts can be each used autonomously or incombination. Two structures which are complementary to the rest of thesystem, and therefore can be added thereto, are adapted to pressing thecollar and the cuffs, and to pressing the buttons. Overall, the systemaccording to the invention is very versatile, and can meet all mainpressing needs.

Those skilled in the art may make several changes and adaptations to theabove-described embodiments of the system for stretching, drying andpressing a garment, and may replace elements with others which arefunctionally equivalent also in conjunction with the known art, thusalso creating hybrid embodiments, in order to meet contingent needs,without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of thefeatures described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be achievedirrespective of the other embodiments described. Moreover, it is alsoworth noting that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elementsor steps, the term “one” does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, thedrawings are not necessarily to scale; contrarily, importance isgenerally given to the illustration of the principles of the presentinvention.

1. A system for stretching, drying and pressing a garment, comprising aclothes-hanger and at least one stretching device, said stretchingdevice comprising: a first rod connected to said clothes-hanger bycoupling-releasing means; two pairs of arms, each pair comprising afirst arm and a second arm, each of the two arms of each pair comprisinga first end connected to the first rod at a respective anchoringposition and a second end, which is movable with respect to said firstanchoring position, and is adapted to move toward or away from theanchoring position in a controlled manner; first stretching means,comprising two garment stretching elements, arranged at opposite sideswith respect to the first rod, each of the stretching elements beingconnected to the two movable second ends of a respective one of saidpairs of arms to move in a direction perpendicular to the first rod,moving away the first rod or toward said first rod, as a result ofmovements of said movable second ends; control means for controlling themovement of said movable second ends of the arms.
 2. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein said first stretching means are configured to pullthe garment taut at a respective side in a direction substantiallyperpendicular with respect to an axis of the first rod, in a mannerdependent on movement of the stretching element caused by the movementof the arms.
 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the systemfurther comprises: second stretching means configured to hold and pullthe garment taut in a direction substantially parallel to the axis ofthe first rod, away from the clothes-hanger.
 4. A system according toclaim 1, wherein: each arm is configured to take on, in a controllablemanner, a folded position, or an extended position, or a plurality ofintermediate positions between said folded and extended positions, andwherein a respective position of the stretching elements at a respectivedistance from the first rod corresponds to each position of the arms. 5.A system according to claim 4, wherein: each of said first arm andsecond arm of the two pairs of arms comprises two half-arms, articulatedto each other by an intermediate joint, wherein the first half-arm isrotatably connected to said first end and to said intermediate joint,and the second half-arm is rotatably connected to said intermediatejoint and comprises said movable second end; said stretching elementsare slidingly connected to the two movable second ends of a respectiveone of said pairs of arms, respectively, to move in a directionperpendicular to the first rod, moving away from the first rod or towardthe first rod, as a result of said movements of the movable second ends;the control means are configured to directly actuate the first half-armand the first half-arm is configured to move the second half-arm, sothat the first and the second half-arms are close to each other and aresubstantially parallel to the first rod, at the folded position of thearm, and the two half-arms are extended in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the first rod, at the extended position of the arm. 6.(canceled)
 7. A system according to claim 4, wherein: said two pairs ofarms comprise rotatably foldable arms, each pair of arms comprising afirst arm and a second arm, rotatably connected to the first rod at therespective anchoring position, each arm being adapted to rotate in acontrolled manner with respect to the anchoring position, wherein themovable second end of the arms is adapted to perform the movement of thearms as a result of rotation of the respective arm; said stretchingelements are slidingly connected to the two movable second ends of arespective one of said pairs of arms, respectively, to move in adirection perpendicular to the first rod, moving away from the first rodor toward the first rod, as a result of said movements of the movablesecond ends; the control means are configured to control the rotation ofthe arms.
 8. (canceled)
 9. A system according to claim 4, wherein: saidtwo pairs of arms comprise telescopic arms, each pair comprising a firsttelescopic arm and a second telescopic arm, wherein the respectivemovable second ends are adapted to translate perpendicular with respectto the first rod, upon telescopic movement; said stretching elements areadapted to move in a direction perpendicular to the first rod, as aresult of said telescopic movements of the movable second ends; thecontrol means are configured to control the telescopic movement of thearms.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A system according to claim 4, wherein: the twofirst arms of the two pairs of arms, arranged on one side with respectto the first rod, are connected to each other at a median portion toform a first X-configuration of arms, wherein one of the first ends ofthe first arms is fixed to the first rod and the other of the first endsof the first arms is slidingly connected to the first rod, and the twosecond ends of the first arms are connected, at least one slidingly, tothe stretching element arranged on a same side as the first arms; thetwo second arms of the two pairs of arms, arranged on the other sidewith respect to the first rod, are connected to each other at a medianportion to form a second X-configuration of arms, wherein one of thefirst ends of the second arms is fixed to the first rod and the other ofthe first ends of the second arms is slidingly connected to the firstrod, and the two second ends of the second arms are connected, at leastone slidingly, to the stretching element arranged on a same side as thesecond arms.
 12. (canceled)
 13. A system according to claim 4, whereinthe control means for controlling the rotation movement of the armsfurther comprise: a sliding element, arranged outside or inside thefirst rod and slidingly connected to the first rod in a position fartherfrom the clothes-hanger with respect to the anchoring positions of thearms, the sliding element being blockable in a desired position on thefirst rod; connection spokes or springs between said sliding element andthe arms, adapted to cause a rotation of the arms upon a movement of thesliding element.
 14. A system according to claim 1, further comprising arigid connection element between one pair of arms and the other pair ofarms, adapted to move a pair of arms as a result of a movement of theother pair of arms.
 15. A system according to claim 3, wherein thesecond stretching means comprise: a second rod arranged perpendicular tothe first rod and slidingly connected to the first rod, in a positionfarther from the clothes-hanger with respect to said anchoring positionsof the pairs of arms, to move along the first rod to move toward or awayfrom the clothes-hanger; two hooking elements for securing the garment,arranged on said second rod, and configured to hold and pull the garmenttaut in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the first rod.16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the second rod comprises twohalf-rods, each of the half-rods being slidingly connected to arespective arm, to open or close in a square-ruler manner as a result ofthe movement of the respective arm, and wherein each of the two hookingelements is arranged on a respective half-rod.
 17. A system according toclaim 3, wherein the second stretching means comprise at least twoweights which can be secured to a side of the garment opposite to theside intended to be supported by the clothes-hanger, said two weightsbeing adapted to pull the garment taut, due to the effect of gravity, ina direction substantially parallel to the axis of the first rod.
 18. Asystem according to claim 17, wherein each of said weights comprises: asecuring peg; a metal weight attached to the securing peg. 19.(canceled)
 20. A system according to claim 1, wherein the stretchingelements are configured to take on a position parallel to each other andparallel to the first rod or a tilted position in substantiallysymmetrical manner with respect to the first rod, according to the typeof garment and to reaction forces that the garment has with respect tostretching.
 21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the movablesecond end of each arm comprises: an end joint, adapted to allow areciprocal sliding between the arm and the respective stretchingelement; a pre-tensioned spring element, adapted to adjust reciprocalinclination of the arm and of the tensioning element, according to thetype of garment and to the reaction forces that the garment has withrespect to the stretching.
 22. A system according to claim 1, wherein:the first rod comprises a rigid hollow rod; each of the four arms isanchored to the first rod by a respective pin, and comprises a firstrotation mechanism adapted to cause the rotation of the arm; each of thetwo stretching elements comprises a respective further rigid rodconnected to the respective second ends of the arms by articulatedjoints; and wherein the control means for controlling the rotationmovement of the arms (8) comprise: a rigid control rod, inserted insidethe rigid hollow rod; a gripping or blocking device connected to therigid control rod and protruding outside the rigid hollow rod; secondrotation mechanisms, engaged or obtained in said rigid control rod, andoperatively connected to the first rotation elements of the arms tocooperate with the first rotation elements of the arms to determine therotation of the arms according to mechanical movements imparted to thegripping or blocking device.
 23. A system according to claim 1, wherein:said first rod and/or said second rod and/or said stretching elementscomprise respective telescopic rods; and/or wherein each of said armscomprises a telescopic arm.
 24. A system according to claim 1,comprising two of said stretching devices, which can be coupled byrespective coupling means to the clothes-hanger, wherein: each of saidtwo stretching elements of each of the stretching devices comprises aside knurled arm with curvature toward the clothes-hanger, the two sideknurled arms being arranged to mirror a vertical middle axis of thesystem; each of the four arms is connected to one of the side knurledarms by a respective side connecting arm; each pair of arms is connectedto the first rod by a respective circumferential arc arm and arespective hollow middle arm.
 25. A system according to claim 1, furthercomprising: two rigid molds which are interlockable one on the other inthe shape of a U, which can be coupled to the clothes-hanger or to thefirst rod; two overlapping semi-rigid plastic strips, one of which flatand one curved like a U in an end part, which can be rotatably connectedto the clothes-hanger or to the first rod.